I am buying an early 1970s frame house in which all the lights and receptacles are wired with 12 gauge aluminum romex (12-2 w/ ground). The work looks professionally done and neither the town nor my homeowners insurance carrier are concerned but I would like to know if AFCIs( arc fault circuit interruptors) installed in the electrical panels would give me an added level of protection. This house is going to be a rental for awhile and the possible liability issue is of concern. The old single gang boxes are so small I can’t imagine going into every box in the 4800 sq ft house and trying to pig tail a copper wire into every light and receptacle. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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Replies
Do they make arc fault for aluminum? And is arcing the real problem?
Sorry for no answers and more questions.
As I understand it, AFCIs should help somewhat. Of course the terminal on the AFCI likely isn't aluminum-rated and will need to be pigtailed.
Note that it's not practical to install AFCIs on all circuits, both due to cost and due to the potential for false trips. So probably you should just protect the receptacle and lighting circuirs for the bedrooms, plus maybe the living room. Avoid them where dimmers, AC/DC (commutator-type) electric motors, or computers are likely to be used.
happy?
taosblue,
My house had aluminum wiring. Now it is replaced, but before replacing I dealt with it by using "contax" solution in the scotchlocks and pigtailing out to all the devices with copper thhn (high heat insulation).
The reason for this is that it seems the main place the problem shows up is where the aluminum wire hooks to the devices under the screws. The aluminum expands and contracts allowing it to arc, thus heat up. Using the scotchlocks and "contax" solution takes care of this because the spring in the scotchlock puts constant pressure on the connection and the contact solution contributes as well.
Fz
There is a "system" available that involves crimp-on pigtails. It probably is the best solution short of total replacement. Unfortunately, you must (or used to have to -- haven't checked for several years) go to a school of sorts to get certified for this before they'll sell you the tool and pigtails.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
You should be getting a bunch of money off the price for the aluminum wiring. Either get it, or walk away from the deal.
-- J.S.